15 Epic Things To Do This Weekend In Auckland

By Olivia Atkinson - 14 Apr 2016

The weekend is nearly here (hurrah!) and we know you’re eager to fill it up with all sorts of awesome Auckland events. From cheese events to witnessing a mechanic bass guitar and boogying at a Caribbean Carnival, there’s a whole lot to keep you busy, jolly and entertained.

Here’s the best things to do this weekend in Auckland.

All Weekend

A Taste of Burgundy by O’Connell Street Bistro | Maison Vauron

The beloved O’Connell Street Bistro is back with a special pop-up dinner on Friday and Saturday. Taking place at Newmarket’s Maison Vauron wine merchants’ cellar, the bistro’s full kitchen and front of house crew will be there to create, serve and deliver a stellar O’Connell Street Bistro experience. The menu comprises of six courses with wine matches starting with cod beignets and rouille before moving onto snapper quail, braised beef and a white chocolate, beetroot and blue cheese dish (don’t kick it ‘til you try it). To help the dishes tantalise your tastebuds, the wines from Burgundy will be matched by Maison Vauron—and trust us—these guys know their vino. A Taste of Burgundy spaces will be snapped up quickly, so secure yours by ringing Maison Vauron on 09 529 0157.

New Zealand International Film Festival Autumn Events | Various Locations

If you’re a film buff, you’re no doubt amped for July’s New Zealand International Film Festival. Luckily, the festival has a small but perfectly formed line-up of events this Autumn with classic films and a handful of New Zealand premieres. One of the films includes the most anticipated horror of the year, The Witch, alongside Michael Moore’s newest doco and David Farrier’s and Dylan Reeve’s Tickled—a peek into the bizarre and ridiculous world of endurance tickling competitions.

Go Green Expo | ASB Showgrounds

As Kiwis, we’re massive advoctes for being green, clean and protecting the beautiful country we call home and, this weekend’s Go Green Expo brings everything you need for better living to the ASB Showgrounds. Learn, try and buy from eco-brands who specialise in organic and sustainable health, beauty, building, gardening, food, bevvies, heating and so much more. Sunniva Holt from The Daily Raw and Claire Turnbull will be holding workshops for a bit of #inspo.

POP Ping Pong | Takutai Square

Consider yourself a ping ping player? POP Ping Pong is setting up camp at Takutai Square with four bespoke ping pong tables this week. The POP crew encourage you to pick up a paddle and challenge a mate (or random person you find lingering around the table) to a match. Each table is modified to ‘frustrate’ and surprise the players with vibrations and noises. You’ve never played pong like this before.

Thursday 14th April

Plot Twist: The Bass Guitarist Is A Robot | Q Theatre

We bet you haven’t seen a robotic bass guitar in action before (don’t worry, we haven’t either) but this Thursday is your chance! A bunch of Kiwi artists and inventors have joined forces to create a technological music performance. The gig is centred around the robotic bass guitar a.k.a MechBass, invented by engineer James McVay and will see it work in harmony with human musicians. Check out what MechBass can do then lock in your tickets here.

The Divergent Series: Allegiant | Hawkins Theatre

We've seen it, we loved it and we know you will too. Allegiant, the third book from The Divergent Series is released in Auckland this Thursday and is set to wow fans of the trilogy. The film sees Tris and Four go beyond the wall enclosing Chicago where they’re forced to make impossible decisions about courage, allegiance, sacrifice and love. Make sure you nab yourself a seat here.

HMS Pinafore | Bruce Mason Centre

Gilbert & Sullivan’s musical masterpiece will be brought to life at the Bruce Mason Theatre this Thursday. The comic opera features a fine cast of singers and theatre veterans who are set to tell the tale of a forbidden love between the ship’s captain’s daughter and a lower-class sailor. Expect dramatics, surprises and a all-round awesome performance.

Friday 15th April

Poppy Day Event | SKYCITY

In support of the Auckland RSA, SKYCITY will be holding a Poppy Day event this Friday. Two defence force vehicles will be parked up in the plaza and you’ll be able to donate some loose moolah to a great cause. Poppy decals will be all around SKYCITY so you’re guaranteed a pretty snap for the gram too.

The Cheese Event | Vue Restaurant and Attica Bar

Cheese fiends, we’ve found the event for you! This Friday Sabato’s Calum Hodgson will be hosting a cheese event at Vue Restaurant and Attica Bar on Customs Street featuring a five (yep, five) course cheese-centric menu made from Sabato’s finest cheeses to perfection. Chef Kevin Blakeman is sure to let the cheese shine and, paired with Vue’s famous harbour views, you’re in for one great night. Let the #cheesedreams commence! Book by calling 09 306 0582.

Saturday 16th April

Global Nomad | Bethells Beach

Saturdays are made for getting lots and, this weekend you can do it with a bunch of other adventurers. Lululemon have teamed up with their local ambassador Abbylee Bonny and her partner in crime Twyla Eloise (the awesome chicks behind HEALTHYSELF) to take you on a nomadic journey. The crew will depart from the Bethells Beach parking lot at 4.30pm for a sweaty session, sunsets, bonfires, great food and great company, leaving you feeling connected and inspired. Make sure you’re on the adventurers list here.

Record Store Day 2016 | Independent Record Stores

Head to Marbecks, Southbound Records, Rebel Soul Records or Real Groovy to celebrate Record Store Day 2016 this Saturday. Real Groovy is going all out with a full day of entertainment including DJs Flat White and Long Black at 10am (exactly when you’ll be needing those two things), Purple Pilgrims and The Beths. They’ll be selling limited edition RSB and plenty of rare and collectable second-hand LPs (long playing) vinyls. Wise Boy Burgers and You’re Welcome Coffee will be there to keep you full and refreshed.

Caribbean Carnival | Fickling Convention Centre

Get amongst the party atmosphere with the Caribbean Carnival this Saturday. It’s set to be a colourful evening of dancing, punch for the adults and delicious Caribbean food. Everyone is encouraged to dress up and be prepared to limbo their way into the night. Kick off is at 6.30pm at the Fickling Convention Centre in Mt Albert. Be there.

Crafternoon-Tea Market | Kingsland

The Crafternoon-Tea crew are hosting another market this weekend, this time in Kingsland. There will be 100% NZ-made goods, candles, jewellery, clothing, art, prints and more—you’ll even get you see some of the artists, crafters and designers in action. A fleet of food stalls will also be there to keep any hunger at bay as you make your way around the tempting stalls. It starts at 10am at 400 New North Road

Sunday 17th April

Sabato Market Day | Sabato

This month’s Sabato Market Day is set to be their biggest one yet and is definitely one you don’t want to miss. You’ll find all your favourite food vendors including Judge Bao, Tiger Burger, Coreano, Sweet Val’s Ice Cream, The Curious Croppers, Mint Cakery, among other great produce traders and foodie peeps. A fresh cracking of a Parmigiano Reggiano wheel will be done by Sobato’s Cheesemonger and activities such a face painting and biscuit decorating will keep the sprogs happy. Did we mention there will also be a jazz band? Head to the Sabato store (57 Normanby Road, Mt Eden) from 10am onwards and bring your appetite.

Platinum Homes Orewa Beach Half Marathon | Orewa Beach

Rather burn off your calories than eat them? Platinum Homes Orewa Beach Half Marathon is back this Sunday with a beautiful scenic running route. It will send you through the pretty Eaves Bush followed by a run through Kensington Park Villas down Orewa’s new walkway and over to Silverdale. Run, reader, run!

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By Olivia Atkinson

Kiwi born, Dubai bred, Olivia has finally decided to stay put in the mighty fine city of Auckland. She’s amped to bring her bubbliness and knack of words to The Urban List crew. A lover of elephants, salted caramel and baby spinach (#balancedlife), you’ll often find Olivia with a craft brew in hand, still in shock about landing her dream job.